letter to the editor from Richard Corbett MEP

9th May 2008

Independent

Dear Editor,

Lord Triesman has a point when he says that football governing bodies need to explore new innovations to maintain a high level of sporting competition (7th May). Indeed, both FIFA and UEFA have made proposals aimed at encouraging  clubs to develop home grown talent.

However, FIFA's 'bull in a china shop' tactics are in marked contrast to the approach taken by UEFA on the same issue. UEFA continues to work alongside the European Parliament and the Commission to get backing for its 'home grown players' rule, which requires clubs competing in European competitions to have a quota of players who have spent at least three years in a team's youth development set-up. Next season, clubs must have at least eight home-grown players in their 25-man squads, a realistic measure that forces clubs to develop their talent in youth academies rather than relying on being able to outspend their rivals in the transfer market, but also respects EU law.

In contrast, FIFA's misguided and, in Europe at least, illegal strategy seems to be an exercise in confrontation rather than a constructive attempt to safeguard the future of football.

Yours,

Richard Corbett

Labour MEP for Yorkshire & Humber
Blenheim Terrace, Leeds